Can Missing a Birth Control Pill Lead to Pregnancy?

Will this lead to pregnancy?

Hello, doctor! I have been taking birth control pill number 1 for about three months.
This time, I started taking the first pill on November 17 (my menstrual cycle ended around November 18).
On November 29, I had sexual intercourse in the afternoon, but I forgot to take my pill that night, so I missed a day.
I resumed taking the pill the following night, November 30.
I would like to ask you, in this situation, is there a possibility of becoming pregnant?

Xiao Ning, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/12/12

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello! 1.
If you take the contraceptive pill regularly, it should suppress ovulation.
2.
If you have taken the contraceptive pill before and after sexual intercourse, it should be effective, so you should not be pregnant.
3.
However, even individuals who take the pill regularly can still experience unintended pregnancies.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2003/12/12

More Info

Missing a birth control pill can indeed lead to an increased risk of pregnancy, especially if the missed pill occurs during the first week of a new pack or if it coincides with unprotected intercourse. In your case, you mentioned that you missed a pill on the same day you had sexual intercourse. This is a critical factor to consider.

When you take birth control pills, they work primarily by preventing ovulation. If you miss a pill, particularly in the first week of your cycle, there is a chance that ovulation could occur, which means that if you have unprotected sex, sperm could fertilize an egg, leading to pregnancy. The effectiveness of the pill can be compromised if it is not taken consistently at the same time every day.

In your situation, since you missed a pill on the day you had sexual intercourse (November 29), and then resumed taking the pills the following day (November 30), there is a possibility that you could become pregnant. The risk is higher if the missed pill was one of the first pills in the pack, as this is when your body is most susceptible to ovulating.

To mitigate the risk of pregnancy after missing a pill, it is generally recommended to take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Additionally, using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least seven days after missing a pill is advisable to ensure protection against pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you might consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period. If you have any doubts or experience unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is a good idea. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest additional methods of contraception or alternative options based on your health history and needs.

In summary, missing a birth control pill can lead to pregnancy, particularly if it occurs during a critical time in your cycle. It is essential to follow the instructions provided with your birth control and to communicate with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about missed pills or potential pregnancy.

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